Device and method for attaching a garment fabric

Abstract

Device for attaching (43) a garment fabric, comprising a member for attaching (45) a fabric, the member having a primary space for gripping (19) the fabric which is shaped to join together sections of the fabric when the fabric passes through the primary gripping space, the attachment device (43) comprising a retaining chain (47) connected to the attachment member (45), the retaining chain (47) defining a retaining loop (53) capable of holding the attachment member (45) in a predetermined position relative to the fabric when the fabric passes through at least the primary gripping space (19).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Device and method for attaching a garment fabric

[0003] The present invention falls within the field of clothing, and relates to a device and a method for attaching a piece of clothing fabric.

[0004] A fabric refers to a textile item with a certain cohesion intended for clothing use. A fabric includes, in particular, a scarf, a stole, a shawl, a tie, a sarong, a swimsuit, a bandana, a shirt, a belt, an evening dress, etc.

[0005] When you want to wear a garment, such as a scarf, you generally place the scarf around your neck, then tie the ends of the scarf in a knot across your chest or stomach to secure it. Similarly, when you want to wear a sarong, you tie a knot at the back to fasten it and hold it in place.

[0006] Firstly, tying a knot can be complex, depending on the properties of the fabric material, or the location of the knot relative to the body, especially when the fabric has to be tied in the back.

[0007] Furthermore, the presence of a knot is unsightly and uncomfortable.

[0008] Also, the knot damages the fabric, especially when the fabric is made of a fragile material such as silk or cashmere.

[0009] One solution to overcome these drawbacks is to use a fastener such as a brooch or fibula to hold the ends of a piece of fabric together. A pin passes through the fabric and is fastened around the body of the brooch or fibula.

[0010] If we do away with the need to tie a knot to attach the fabric and hold it in position, the pin of the fastening element damages the fabric at the point where it is pierced by the pin.

[0011] To overcome these drawbacks, it is known to use a ring fastener to secure the fabric panels inside the ring.

[0012] This eliminates the need to tie a knot to secure the fabric and hold it in position, and prevents damage to the fabric.

[0013] However, the fastening element often slips along the fabric. This solution is unsatisfactory because the fastening element frequently needs to be repositioned at the top of the fabric. There is also a risk of losing the fastening element. The invention described in prior art document FR 2 675 026 A1 seeks to overcome this drawback by providing a flat fastening element. This flat fastening element has two openings in its plane, allowing it to grip the fabric like a belt buckle.

[0014] Enclosing the fabric in a loop-like fashion in the two openings of the flat fastening element reduces, compared to prior art, the risk of the fastening element slipping along the fabric.

[0015] However, when the fabric is made of a slippery material such as silk, it has been observed that the fastening element continues to slide along the fabric despite being held in place like a loop. Therefore, to ensure the fabric stays in position, it must have a relatively significant minimum thickness, making the use of such a fastening element incompatible with small fabrics. Furthermore, the resulting loop offers no possibility for aesthetic variations, as it must always have the same shape.

[0016] Also, a common drawback of earlier art solutions is that the jewelry of the person wearing the fabric, especially necklaces, remains hidden by the fabric when it is worn.

[0017] The present invention aims to overcome the above disadvantages by proposing a garment fastening device that does not slip along the fabric regardless of the type of fabric, regardless of the material of the fabric, that does not damage the fabric and that has an ornamental character that remains visible when the fabric is fastened by the device of the invention.

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a garment fabric fastening device, comprising a fabric fastening element having a primary fabric clamping space shaped to join sections of said fabric when said fabric passes through said primary clamping space,

[0019] said fastening device being notable in that it comprises a retaining chain connected to said fastening element, said retaining chain defining a retaining loop capable of holding the fastening element in a predetermined position relative to said fabric when said fabric passes through at least said primary clamping space.

[0020] Thus, by providing the fastening device with a retaining chain connected to the fastening element and defining a retaining loop capable of holding the fastening element in a predetermined position relative to the fabric when said fabric passes through the primary clamping space, any untimely slippage of the fastening element relative to the fabric is avoided, regardless of the characteristics of the fabric to be fastened.

[0021] We also eliminate the need to use a pin to fix the fabric, which prevents damage to the fabric.

[0022] According to entirely optional characteristics of the attachment device of the invention:

[0023] - the fastening element has a front face, preferably ornamental, and a back face, and the primary fabric-holding space is arranged between the front and back faces of the fastening element. By providing for the use of an ornamental front face of the fastening element, the latter can be used as jewelry;

[0024] - The retaining loop defines a secondary gripping space for the fabric contained within the primary gripping space. In other words, the retaining loop has a smaller surface area than the primary gripping space, which allows the fabric to be held more securely compared to using only the primary gripping space. This further improves the positioning of the fastening element;

[0025] - the retaining loop is movable alternately between a rest position and a working position in which the surface area of ​​the retaining loop is smaller than that of the retaining loop in its rest position. Thus, the fabric is tighter compared to the tightness obtained in the rest position;

[0026] - The fastening device includes a means of adjusting the length of the retaining loop. This allows the length of the retaining loop to be easily adapted according to the type of fabric to be fastened;

[0027] - according to one embodiment of the fastening device, the retaining chain comprises a closing element and a receiving element for said closing element, shaped to cooperate with said closing element, and the fastening element comprises at least two loops shaped to be passed through by said retaining chain, so that when the closing element cooperates with the receiving element and when the retaining chain passes through said loops, the retaining loop is defined by the portion of the retaining chain contained between said loops;

[0028] - according to another embodiment of the fastening device, the rear face of the fastening element comprises an internal wall on which a first end of the retaining chain is fixed and on which an orifice is made, the location of said orifice being distinct from that in which the first end of the retaining chain is fixed, said orifice being traversed by said retaining chain so that the retaining loop is defined by the portion of retaining chain contained between said orifice and said first end of the retaining chain, said fastening device further comprising a means of locking the retaining loop in a predetermined position;

[0029] - according to yet another embodiment of the fastening device, the restraint chain comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element and the fastening element comprises two receiving elements for said fastening elements shaped to cooperate with said fastening elements of the restraint chain.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for attaching a garment fabric implemented by the fastening device according to the invention, in which the retaining chain comprises a fastening element and a receiving element for said fastening element, shaped to cooperate with said fastening element, and the fastening element comprises at least two loops shaped to be passed through by said retaining chain, such that when the fastening element cooperates with the receiving element and when the retaining chain passes through said loops, the retaining loop is defined by the portion of the retaining chain contained between said loops, said fastening method being notable in that it comprises the following steps aimed at:

[0031] - open the retaining chain;

[0032] - insert one end of the retaining chain through the first loop of the fastening element, from the outside of the fastening element to the primary clamping space of the fabric, then insert said end of the retaining chain through the second loop of the fastening element, from the primary clamping space of the fabric to the outside of the fastening element;

[0033] - introduce the fabric inside the retaining loop defined by the portion of retaining chain contained between said loops;

[0034] - to make the closing element of the retaining chain cooperate with the receiving element of the retaining chain;

[0035] - release the assembly formed by the fastening device and the fabric.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for attaching a garment fabric implemented by the attachment device of the invention, wherein the rear face of the attachment element comprises an internal wall to which a first end of the retaining chain is fixed and in which an opening is formed, the location of said opening being distinct from that to which the first end of the retaining chain is fixed, said opening being traversed by said retaining chain such that the retaining loop is defined by the portion of retaining chain contained between said opening and said first end of the retaining chain, said attachment device further comprising a means for locking the retaining loop in a predetermined position, said attachment method being notable in that it comprises the following steps aimed at:

[0037] - insert the fabric inside the retaining loop defined by the portion of the retaining chain contained between the opening and the first end of the retaining chain,

[0038] - lock the retaining loop of the retaining chain in a desired predetermined position.

[0039] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, for understanding which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates in front view the attachment device obtained according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the attachment element of the attachment device in Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates the attachment device of Figure 1 from a rear view;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a side view of a fabric attached using the fastening device shown in Figure 1 in partial section;

[0044] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of an attachment device obtained according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the attachment element of the attachment device in Figure 5;

[0046] Figure 7 is a top view of the attachment device of Figure 5, where the retaining chain is in the rest position;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a side view of a fabric attached by means of the fastening device of Figure 5 shown in partial section, where the retaining chain is in the rest position;

[0048] Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, where the retaining chain is in the working position;

[0049] Figure 10 is a top view of the fastening device of Figure 5, where the retaining chain is in the working position; Figure 11 shows a side view of a fabric fastened by means of a fastening device obtained according to a third embodiment, shown in partial section, where the retaining chain is in the resting position;

[0050] Figure 12 illustrates a rear view of the attachment device of Figure 11;

[0051] Figure 13 is a top view of the attachment device of Figure 11, where the retaining chain is in the rest position;

[0052] Figure 14 gives an example of the implementation of a locking means used in the fastening device of Figure 11, shown in the closed position;

[0053] Figure 15 is a top view of the attachment device of Figure 11, where the retaining chain is in the working position;

[0054] Figure 16 is a view similar to that of Figure 11, where the retaining chain is in the working position;

[0055] Figure 17 is a view similar to that of Figure 14, with the locking means shown in the open position;

[0056] Figure 18 is a rear view of an attachment device obtained according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Figure 19 shows a side view of a fabric attached by means of the attachment device of Figure 18, shown in partial section, where the retaining chain is in the working position;

[0058] Figure 20 is a top view of the attachment device of Figure 18, where the retaining chain is in the working position;

[0059] Figure 21 is a front view of an attachment device obtained according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0060] Figure 22 is a side view of a piece of fabric attached using the fastening device shown in Figure 21;

[0061] Throughout the figures, identical or analogous references represent identical or analogous organs or sets of organs.

[0062] Reference is made to Figure 1, illustrating the attachment device 1 obtained according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The fastening device 1 comprises a fastening element 3 of a fabric (not shown) and a retaining chain 5.

[0064] Figure 2 shows an example of the implementation of the attachment element 3, illustrated in isometric view.

[0065] The fastening element 3 has a rear face 7 and a front face 9. The term "rear" is used in this description and in the claims to designate the face which is in contact with the user when the fastening device is worn by that person, while the term "front" is used to designate the visible face of the fastening element when worn by the user.

[0066] The rear face 7 of the attachment element is generally polygonal in shape, for example rectangular or square as illustrated in Figure 2. Of course, any other geometric shape can be used to define the rear face, including but not limited to non-convex polygonal, circular, oval, etc.

[0067] Also, the rear face 7 of the attachment element is preferably flat. According to a variant not shown in the figures, the rear face is not flat. In this case, it may have a concavity and / or a convexity relative to the front face of the attachment element.

[0068] The rear face 7 preferably has an opening 11, in order to limit the amount of material required to manufacture the attachment element of the attachment device of the invention. The surface area of ​​the opening can be adapted as desired depending on the amount of material required to manufacture the attachment element. Alternatively, the rear face of the attachment element is solid, i.e., it does not have an opening.

[0069] The front face 9 has a convex surface 13. According to an unshown variant, the front face has a concave surface. According to another unshown variant, the front face has a flat surface, generally polygonal in shape (convex or non-convex), circular, oval, etc.

[0070] The front face 9 has an internal wall 15 which, together with an internal wall 17 of the rear face 7, defines a primary clamping space 19 for the fabric. Thus, the primary clamping space 19 is arranged between the front and rear faces of the fastening element.

[0071] The front face 9 of the attachment element is connected to the rear face 7 at the lateral ends 21, 23 of the rear face 7. However, in an alternative embodiment, it may be envisaged to connect the front face to the rear face other than at the lateral ends of the rear face.

[0072] The front face 9 of the fastening element is preferably ornamental, given that it constitutes the visible face of the fastening element when worn by a user. For this purpose, precious or semi-precious stones, pearls, etc., can be applied or set on the front face. For example, it is envisaged that the front face 9 could be pavé-set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc. By using an ornamental front face of the fastening element, it can thus be used as jewelry.

[0073] The attachment element 3, defined by the front face 9, the rear face 7 and the primary clamping space 19, is preferably tubular, and has a general external shape for example cylindrical, parallelepiped, truncated cone, ovoid, ellipsoidal, etc.

[0074] The attachment element can be made from a variety of materials or alloys of materials. For example, these materials can be gold, silver, platinum, vermeil, plastic, ceramic, wood, leather, steel, aluminum, horn, etc.

[0075] The primary clamping space 19 of the fastening element is shaped to join the panels of a fabric when a fabric passes through the primary clamping space 19. The surface area of ​​the primary clamping space 19 can thus be adapted at will according to the volume of the fabric to be attached.

[0076] We refer to figure 3 illustrating the attachment device 1 from the rear view.

[0077] The retaining chain 5 of the fastening device comprises a plurality of links 25, the thickness of which can be adjusted as desired. The assembled links can form various types of links, including curb, chain, coffee bean, curb, ball, royal, horse, rope, palm, Venetian, omega, snake, Polish, rice grain, etc. Alternatively, the retaining chain can be made without links, for example, from a woven or non-woven textile cord, or from nylon thread. Alternatively, the chain can be made by joining diamonds.

[0078] The connection between the retaining chain 5 of the fastening device 1 and the fastening element 3 is achieved by providing a direct attachment of the retaining chain 5 to the fastening element 3.

[0079] For this purpose, the retaining chain 5 includes a first fixing element 27 and a second fixing element 29, for example clasps known to a person skilled in the art.

[0080] Preferably, the first and second fixing elements 27, 29 are respectively mounted at a first end 31 and a second end 33 of the retaining chain 5. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first and second fixing elements are mounted on the retaining chain at a location distinct from the ends of the retaining chain.

[0081] The attachment element 3 has two receiving elements 35 (more clearly visible in Figure 2) which are shaped to cooperate with the fastening elements 27, 29 of the restraint chain 5. The receiving elements 35 are, for example, rings or lugs when the fastening elements of the restraint chain are clasps. According to another embodiment of the connection between the fastening elements of the restraint chain and the receiving elements of the attachment element, a male and female fastening element is used, respectively, and a female and male receiving element is used, respectively.

[0082] The receiving elements 35 of the attachment element 3 are preferably located near an upper edge 37 of the attachment element 3.

[0083] Also, the receiving elements 35 of the attachment element 3 are also preferably located at the ends of the opening 11 of the rear face 7.

[0084] This helps to limit the risk of the attachment element rotating unexpectedly.

[0085] We refer to figure 4 illustrating the operation of the fastening device 1 with a fabric, for example a scarf 39.

[0086] The scarf 39 is placed around the neck without tying it. The fastening device 1 is inserted around the neck, held in place like a necklace by the retaining chain 5, then the ends of the scarf 39 are inserted into the primary clamping space 19.

[0087] The ends of the scarf 39 are thus held together by the primary clamping space 19, which makes it possible to avoid having to tie a knot to tie the scarf 39.

[0088] Furthermore, the front face 9 of the fastening element, which remains visible when the scarf 39 passes through the primary clamping space 19, can advantageously be used for aesthetic purposes, for example, when the front face is adorned with precious stones. The fastening device of the invention can then be used as jewelry.

[0089] Furthermore, the fastening element 3, attached to the retaining chain 5 positioned around the neck, can no longer slide along the scarf 39, even when the scarf is made of a slippery material such as silk.

[0090] Thus, the retaining chain 5, connected to the fastening element 3, defines a retaining loop 41 (visible in figure 3) which holds the fastening element 3 in a predetermined position relative to the scarf when the fabric passes through the primary clamping space 19.

[0091] The retaining loop 41 is defined by the portion of the retaining chain 5 included between the fixing elements 27, 29 of the retaining chain 5.

[0092] Thus, when the fastening elements 27, 29 are mounted at the ends of the retaining chain, the retaining loop is defined by the entire retaining chain, whereas when the fastening elements are mounted on the retaining chain at a location other than the ends of the chain, the retaining loop is reduced. The retaining chain then has two free portions, each defined by the portion of chain between a fastening element and the corresponding end of the chain. These free portions can advantageously be ornamental.

[0093] Reference is made to Figure 5, which shows a fastening device 43 obtained according to a second embodiment, comprising a fastening element 45 of a fabric (not shown) and a retaining chain 47, and to Figure 6, which shows an example of an embodiment of the fastening element 45, illustrated in isometric view.

[0094] The attachment element 45 differs from the attachment element 3 of the first embodiment of the invention in that the connection with the retaining chain 47 is no longer achieved by cooperation of the receiving elements of the attachment element with the fixing elements of the retaining chain.

[0095] In this embodiment, the connection between the attachment element and the retaining chain is made by providing on the attachment element 45 two loops 49a, 49b, which are shaped to be passed through by the retaining chain 47.

[0096] The loops 49a, 49b of the attachment element 45 are preferably located near the upper edge 37 of the attachment element 45.

[0097] Also, the loops 49a, 49b of the attachment element 45 are also preferably located at the ends of the opening 11 of the rear face 7.

[0098] This helps to limit the risk of the attachment element rotating unexpectedly.

[0099] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the attachment element 45 has two additional loops, for example located near a lower edge 51 of the attachment element 45, at the ends of the opening 11 of the rear face 7.

[0100] The restraint chain 47 differs from the restraint chain 5 in that it no longer includes fastening elements designed to cooperate with the receiving elements of the attachment element of the first embodiment.

[0101] In this embodiment, the retaining chain 47 can be a standard chain, that is, a chain that can be used independently of the fastening element of the fastening device of the invention, provided that the chain has a diameter sufficient to pass through the loops of the fastening element. The chain comprises, for this purpose, a first end, a chain body, and a second end, as well as a fastening element, for example a clasp, and a receiving element, for example a ring or an ear, shaped to cooperate with the fastening element.

[0102] The chain's closing and receiving elements are mounted at the ends of the retaining chain. Alternatively, the chain's closing and receiving elements are mounted on the body of the retaining chain, at a location separate from the chain's ends. The retaining chain then has two free sections, each defined by the portion of chain between the closing / receiving element and the corresponding end of the chain.

[0103] The connection between the retaining chain 47 and the attachment element 45 is made by passing the retaining chain 47 through the loops 49a, 49b and then making the closing element cooperate with the receiving element of the retaining chain.

[0104] We refer to figures 7 to 10 illustrating the operation of the fastening device 43 with a fabric, for example the scarf 39.

[0105] The scarf 39 is placed around the neck without tying it. The retaining chain 47 is positioned around the neck in the open position, a position in which the ring / clasp system is open, i.e. the clasp does not cooperate with the ring.

[0106] As shown in Figure 7, one end of the retaining chain is inserted through the first loop 49a of the fastening element, from the outside of the fastening element to the primary clamping space 19 of the fabric, and then the same end of the retaining chain is inserted through the second loop 49b of the fastening element from the primary clamping space 19 of the fabric to the outside of the fastening element.

[0107] The portion of the retaining chain 47, defined by the chain segment between the loops 49a, 49b, then forms a retaining loop 53 which defines a secondary entrapment space 55 of the fabric.

[0108] The retaining loop 47 is in a so-called rest position. In such a rest position, the retaining loop 53 is located inside the primary clamping space 19 and has a surface area slightly smaller than that of the primary clamping space 19. The ends of the scarf 39 are then inserted into the retaining loop 53 (which defines the secondary clamping space 55) and which is contained inside the primary clamping space 19, as shown in Figure 8.

[0109] When the edges of the scarf 39 are introduced into the secondary clamping space 55, the closing element of the retaining chain cooperates with the receiving element.

[0110] The assembly formed by the attachment element 45, held around the neck of the user by the restraint chain 47, and by the scarf 39, can now be released.

[0111] As illustrated in figures 9 and 10, under the action of the weight of the attachment element 45, the retaining loop 53 then moves from its rest position to a so-called working position, a position in which the surface of the retaining loop is less than that of the retaining loop when it is in its rest position.

[0112] In addition to the advantages conferred by the fastening device 1 of the first embodiment, thanks to the fastening device 43 of the second embodiment, the ends of the scarf 39, contained within the secondary clamping space 55, are more tightly held than when they are contained solely within the primary clamping space. This further improves the retention of the fastening element.

[0113] We refer to figure 11 in which we have shown an attachment device 57 obtained according to a third embodiment.

[0114] The fastening device 57 includes a fastening element 59 of a fabric, here a tie 61, and a retaining chain 63.

[0115] In this third embodiment, the restraint chain 63 is no longer positioned around the user's neck, but only around the fabric. Consequently, the restraint chain 63 is significantly shorter than the restraint chains 5 and 47 of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the restraint chain 63 no longer includes fastening elements or elements for closing and receiving the closure element, as was the case in the first and second embodiments.

[0116] As shown in Figures 12 and 13 illustrating the rear view and top view of the fastening device 57, the inner wall 17 of the rear face 7 of the fastening element 59 no longer has an opening 11 as was the case in the first and second embodiments. The opening in the rear face is here closed by two spaced plates 65, 67 defining a housing 69 which contains a means for locking the retaining chain, described later in this description. Therefore, the fastening element no longer has any retaining elements 35 or loops 49a, 49b as was the case in the first and second embodiments.

[0117] The retaining chain 63 has a first end 63a and a second end 63b. The first end 63a is fixed to the inner wall 17 of the rear face 7 of the fastening element 59, by any suitable fastening means.

[0118] On the rear face of the attachment element 59 is an opening 71, passing through the plates 65, 67.

[0119] The opening 71 is made at a location distinct from that where the first end 63a of the retaining chain 63 is fixed.

[0120] The retaining chain 63 passes through the orifice 71 via its second end 63b. The portion of the retaining chain 63 contained between the orifice 71 and the first end 63a of the retaining chain 63 defines a retaining loop 73.

[0121] As was the case in the second embodiment, the secondary entrapment space 55 of the fabric is here also defined by the retaining loop 73.

[0122] In Figure 13, the retaining loop 73 is in its rest position in which it is inside the primary clamping space 19 and has a surface area slightly smaller than that of the primary clamping space 19.

[0123] The retaining loop 73 is held in a predetermined position by means of the locking means mentioned above, the operation of which is explained with reference to Figure 14, which gives an example of the implementation of the locking means.

[0124] Figure 14 illustrates the fastening device seen from behind, with plate 67 removed and the locking means in a closed position in which the retaining chain 63 is locked relative to the orifice 67.

[0125] The locking means comprises a scissor-type clasp system 75, known to those skilled in the art. The clasp system 75 is actuated from outside the fastening element 59, via two push buttons 77 positioned on the upper and lower edges of the fastening element 59. The clasp system 75 comprises two notched arms 79a, 79b positioned opposite the opening 71, and a return means 81 arranged to permanently return the notched arms 79a, 79b to the closed position.

[0126] Besides the absence of fastening elements or closing and receiving elements for the closing element, as was the case for the retaining chains 5 and 47 of the first and second embodiments, the mesh of the retaining chain 63 differs from that of chains 5 and 47 in that it comprises a set of locking links 83, with a diameter larger than the links 25 defining the mesh itself, distributed along the chain at regular or irregular intervals. The locking links 83 shown here have a frustoconical shape, but it is of course possible to use locking links with a different shape, such as parallelepiped, spherical, conical, etc.

[0127] The operation of the fastening device 57 with a fabric, for example the tie 61, is now described.

[0128] The tie 61 is placed around the neck without tying it. The ends of the tie 61 are inserted into the retaining loop 73 initially in its rest position (which defines the secondary clamping space 55) and which is contained within the primary clamping space 19, as shown in figure 11.

[0129] The length of the retaining loop 73 is adjusted by pulling on the retaining chain 63 according to the arrow 85 in figure 14, the locking links forcing the return means 81 and causing the opening of the notched arms 79a, 79b of the clasp system 75.

[0130] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the retaining loop 73 then moves from its resting position to its working position, in which the surface area of ​​the retaining loop is smaller than that of the retaining loop in its resting position. The length of the retaining loop can also be adjusted before inserting fabric into the fastening element. The locking mechanism allows the desired, predetermined length of the retaining loop to be maintained, thus preventing the user from having to create the secondary clamping space each time the fastening device is used.

[0131] The release of the retaining chain is achieved by applying pressure to the pushbuttons 77, as shown in Figure 17.

[0132] The fastening device 57 can be used alone or in addition to an extra ornamental chain, which would be positioned around the neck and attached to the fastening element.

[0133] Reference is made to figures 18 to 20, on which is shown an attachment device 87 obtained according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising an attachment element 91 and a retaining chain 93.

[0134] The fastening element 91 differs from the fastening element 45 of the second embodiment of the invention in that it has four additional openings 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d, formed on the rear face of the fastening element. These openings allow the retaining chain to be passed successively through them, forming a retaining loop 97 that defines the secondary clamping space 55. The retaining chain 93 differs from the retaining chain 5 of the first embodiment in that it no longer has fastening elements designed to cooperate with the receiving elements of the fastening element of the first embodiment. The retaining chain 93 may have decorative elements at its ends, for example, beads 99.

[0135] Also, the retaining chain 93 has a slider 101 positioned around the sides 93a, 93b of the retaining chain, and whose movement along the retaining chain 93, according to the double arrow 103, allows the length of the retaining loop 97 to be adjusted.

[0136] The fastening device 87 can be used alone or in addition to an extra ornamental chain, which would be positioned around the neck and attached to the fastening element.

[0137] Reference is made to figures 21 and 22, which show an attachment device 105 obtained according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, comprising an attachment element 107 and a retaining chain 5 which defines the retaining loop 41.

[0138] Here, the attachment element 107 consists of two interlaced rings 109, 111. The attachment element 107 has two receiving elements 35 identical to those used in the attachment element 3 of the attachment device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0139] These receiving elements 35 are shaped to cooperate with the fixing elements 27, 29 of the retaining chain 5, for example clasps.

[0140] In this embodiment, only a primary clamping space 113 is contained in the plane of the fastening element 107. The fabric to be fastened, for example the scarf 39, thus passes through the primary clamping space 113.

[0141] Thanks to the present invention, any unwanted slippage of the fastening element relative to the fabric is prevented, regardless of the fabric's characteristics. The need for a pin to secure the fabric is also eliminated, thus preventing damage to the fabric. Furthermore, the resulting fastening element can be worn as jewelry.

[0142] The fastening device has been primarily demonstrated in use for fastening scarves and ties. However, it is intended to be used for fastening other types of fabrics, including but not limited to scarves, stoles, shawls, sarongs, swimsuits, bandanas, shirts, belts, and evening dresses. As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this fastening device and fastening method described above solely as illustrative examples, but rather encompasses all variations involving the technical equivalents of the means described, as well as combinations thereof, if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

An attachment device (1, 43, 57, 87, 105) of a garment fabric, comprising an attachment member (3, 45, 59, 91, 107) of a fabric having a primary space for gripping (19) the fabric which is shaped to join together sections of said fabric when said fabric passes through said primary gripping space (19),wherein said attachment device (1, 43, 57, 87, 105) comprises a retaining chain (5, 47, 63, 93) connected to said attachment member (3, 45, 59, 91, 107), said retaining chain (5, 47, 63, 93) defining a retaining loop (41, 53, 73, 97) capable of holding the attachment member (3, 45, 59, 91, 107) in a predetermined position relative to said fabric when said fabric passes through at least said primary gripping space (19),wherein the attachment member (3, 45, 59, 91) comprises a front face (9) and a rear face (7), and in that the primary space for gripping (19) the fabric is arranged between said front and rear faces of the attachment member (3, 45, 59, 91),wherein the rear face (7) of the attachment member (59) comprises an inner wall (17) on which is fixed a first end (63a) of the retaining chain (63) and on which an orifice (71) is made, the positioning of said orifice (71) being separate from that where the first end (63a) of the retaining chain (63) is fixed, said orifice (71) being passed through by said retaining chain (63) such that the retaining loop (73) is defined by the retaining chain portion (63) contained between said orifice (71) and said first end (63a) of the retaining chain (63), said attachment device (57) further comprising a means for blocking in a predetermined position of the retaining loop (73).The attachment device (43, 57, 87) according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining loop (53, 73, 97) defines a secondary space for gripping (55) the fabric contained inside the primary gripping space (19).The attachment device (43, 57, 87) according to claim 2, characterised in that the retaining loop (53, 73, 97) is mobile alternatively between a rest position and a working position according to which the surface of the retaining loop (53, 73, 97) is lower than that of the retaining loop (53, 73, 97) in its rest position.The attachment device (57, 87) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises a means for adjusting the length of the retaining loop (73, 97).A method for attaching a garment fabric implemented by an attachment device (57) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the following steps aiming to:-       introduce the fabric inside the retaining loop (73) defined by the retaining chain portion (63) contained between the orifice (71) and the first end (63a) of the retaining chain (63),-       block the retaining loop (73) of the retaining chain (63) in a desired predetermined position.

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